Don’t spend all your time in Encinitas, especially when big-name landmarks are just down the road. Wanderers from all corners of the globe head to SeaWorld. You can access it from San Diego County, 25 miles away.

Fill the tank, buckle up and get ready to feel the warm, salty air in your hair. Encinitas offers some beautiful stretches of coast, such as:

• Moonlight State Beach (2 miles away).
• Beacon Beach (2 miles away).
• Swamis Beach (2 miles away).

Here are our suggestions on how to hop behind the wheel of a rental car with some extra cash in your pocket:

• Research as many different bargain car rental deals as possible (we make that task child’s play!)
• Register for our Price Drop Alert email service and immediately find out when prices become cheaper for your desired location
• Before you pick up your keys and hop behind the wheel, take a look at both airport and non-airport pickup and drop-off office locations to make sure you’re getting the cheapest deal in town
• If you have some elbow room in your schedule, play around with your dates to find cheaper prices on different days of the week
• Pickup and drop-off times generally need to be around the same time (e.g, both 10 a.m.) or you may be asked to pay for a full extra day
• Keep more cash in your bank account. You’ll score some of the cheapest deals when you pay in advance for your rental vehicle
• It’s best to secure your booking as soon as your dates are set. The early bird catches the worm!

No other mode of transportation can offer you flexibility and freedom like your own set of wheels. No matter the reason for your stay in Encinitas, CarRentals.com has a fantastic selection of vehicles for you to choose from. On a city break with your beloved? Fire up the romance by grabbing the keys to a convertible. Great fun to drive and a cinch to park, you’ll love sitting alongside each other in one of these little rides. A full-size SUV is a great choice for families with youngsters. There’s enough room for everyone and you can go where you want, when you want. If you’re on a business trip, a premium car will carry you from your hotel to those important meetings in luxury and comfort.

There’s plenty of choice when it comes to renting a car in Encinitas. From spacious SUVs with plenty of trunk space to economy rides that are a snap to park, you’ll find it all here. Selecting your perfect match depends on how much you want to spend and what activities you plan on doing. There are some road trips that are just begging you to splurge on your dream ride, whereas others don’t need much more than four wheels and a gas pedal.

There’s a bit more to cruising the roads of Encinitas than simply buckling up and turning the engine over. Familiarize yourself with a few important local traffic laws here:

In Encinitas, you’ll have to stick to the right-hand side. When exploring a new place, it’s wise to choose a vehicle with automatic transmission. That way, you can focus on the road ahead and not worry about gear changes.

It can be challenging to find a parking space in Encinitas. Once you get your hands on one, make sure you pay attention to the signage. Staying over the time limit or leaving the car where you shouldn’t can take a big chunk out of your vacation budget.

One of the great things about vacationing in a smaller city is less traffic, so you won’t have to worry too much about peak-hour gridlock. With a population of only 62,900, you can expect a smooth Encinitas driving experience.

Speed limits vary in and around the city of Encinitas, but generally range from 15mph to 70mph. Most residential zones have a maximum speed of 25mph unless stated otherwise.

Generally speaking, your chosen rental car company will charge the amount stated on the fine to your credit card, including local taxes. Alternatively, they may supply your contact details to the relevant local authority, who’ll then issue a fine to your postal address.

Provided you have hands-free or Bluetooth functions enabled, you are able to use your cell phone while cruising in your car around Encinitas. But be sure to keep your eyes on the road.

While operating a vehicle in Encinitas, it’s a criminal offence to have a BAC (blood alcohol content) of over 0.08%. Planning to have a couple of glasses of wine over lunch or dinner? Consider using a ride-sharing service or taking a taxi.

Yes it is. But before doing so, you must bring the vehicle to a complete stop and only continue if the lane is clear.

Yes, so buckle up. However, there may be exceptions for certain vehicles run by public transportation systems.